Agility influences on bone mass in elderly people

Abstract

The main purpose of this study was to test the association between bone-related variables and agility in elderly people. A total of 223 participants 65 years and older (64 men and 159 women) were evaluated in Zaragoza (Spain). Bone area, mineral content (BMC) and density (BMD) were assessed in whole body, spine and hip by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Agility was measured using the 8-Foot Up and Go Test (modified of the Senior Fitness Test battery). The difference between male and female in agility was studied with one-way ANOVA. The association between agility and bone-related variables was tested by linear regression accounting for differences in age, height and lean mass. Results showed that men had better agility than women (P<0.05). In men agility was only associated with pelvis area explaining 4% of variation (P<0.05). In women agility explained from 2% to 18% of variability in BMC and BMD in the subtotal whole body, trochanter and lower limbs respectively (all P<0.01). In conclusion, agility showed a close association with BMC and BMD mainly in postmenopausal women.
Key Words: bone mineral content (BMC), bone mineral density (BMD), physical fitness, ageing.